Table of Contents

Chemical Engineering

gate chemical engineering syllabus

reasoning

Engineering Mathematics

  • Linear Algebra:
    • Matrix algebra,
    • Systems of linear equations,
    • Eigen values and
    • eigenvectors.
  • Calculus:
    • Functions of single variable,
    • Limit,
    • continuity and differentiability,
    • Taylor series,
    • Mean
      value theorems,
    • Evaluation of definite and improper integrals,
    • Partial derivatives,
    • Total derivative,
    • Maxima and minima,
    • Gradient, Divergence and Curl,
    • Vector identities,
    • Directional derivatives,
    • Line,
      Surface and Volume integrals,
    • Stokes, Gauss and Green’s theorems.
  • Differential Equations:
    • First order equations (linear and nonlinear),
    • Higher order linear differential
      equations with constant coefficients,
    • Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations,
    • Initial and boundary value
      problems,
    • Laplace transforms,
    • Solutions of one-dimensional heat and wave equations and Laplace
      equation.
  • Complex Variables:
    • Complex number,
    • polar form of complex number,
    • triangle inequality.
  • Probability and Statistics:
    • Definitions of probability and sampling theorems,
    • Conditional probability,
    • Mean, median, mode and standard deviation,
    • Random variables,
    • Poisson, Normal and Binomial
      distributions,
    • Linear regression analysis.
  • Numerical Methods:
    • Numerical solutions of linear and non-linear algebraic equations.
    • Integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule.
    • Single and multi-step methods for numerical solution of
      differential equations.

Process Calculations and Thermodynamics

  • Steady and unsteady state mass and energy balances including multiphase,
  • multi-component,
  • reacting and non-reacting systems.
  • Use of tie components; recycle,
  • bypass and purge calculations;
  • Gibb’s phase rule and degree of freedom analysis.
  • First and Second laws of thermodynamics.
  • Applications of first law to close and open systems.
  • Second law and Entropy.
  • Thermodynamic properties of pure substances: Equation of State and
    residual properties,
  • properties of mixtures: partial molar properties, fugacity, excess properties and
    activity coefficients;
  • phase equilibria: predicting VLE of systems; chemical reaction equilibrium.

Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations

  • Fluid statics,
  • surface tension,
  • Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids,
  • transport properties,
  • shell – balances including differential form of Bernoulli equation and energy balance,
  • equation of
    continuity,
  • equation of motion,
  • equation of mechanical energy,
  • Macroscopic friction factors,
  • dimensional analysis and similitude,
  • flow through pipeline systems,
  • velocity profiles,
  • flow meters,
  • pumps and compressors,
  • elementary boundary layer theory,
  • flow past immersed bodies including
    packed and fluidized beds,
  • Turbulent flow:
  • fluctuating velocity,
  • universal velocity profile and
    pressure drop.
  • Particle size and shape,
  • particle size distribution,
  • size reduction and classification of solid particles;
  • free and hindered settling;
  • centrifuge and cyclones;
  • thickening and classification,
  • filtration, agitation
    and mixing;
  • conveying of solids.

Heat Transfer

  • Equation of energy,
  • steady and unsteady
  • heat conduction, convection and radiation,
  • thermal
    boundary layer and heat transfer coefficients,
  • boiling, condensation and evaporation;
  • types of heat
    exchangers and evaporators and their
  • process calculations;
  • design of double pipe, shell and tube
    heat exchangers, and
  • single and multiple effect evaporators.

Mass Transfer

  • Fick’s laws,
  • molecular diffusion in fluids,
  • mass transfer coefficients,
  • film, penetration and surface
    renewal theories;
  • momentum, heat and mass transfer analogies;
  • stage-wise and continuous
    contacting and stage efficiencies;
  • HTU & NTU concepts;
  • design and operation of equipment for
    distillation, absorption, leaching,
  • liquid-liquid extraction,
  • drying,
  • humidification,
  • dehumidification and
  • adsorption,
  • membrane separations(micro-filtration, ultra-filtration, nano-filtration and reverse
    osmosis).

Chemical Reaction Engineering

  • Theories of reaction rates;
  • kinetics of homogeneous reactions,
  • interpretation of kinetic data,
  • single
    and multiple reactions in ideal reactors,
  • kinetics of enzyme reactions (Michaelis-Mentenand Monod
    models),
  • non-ideal reactors;
  • residence time distribution,
  • single parameter model;
  • non-isothermal
    reactors;
  • kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic reactions;
  • diffusion effects in catalysis;
  • rate and
    performance equations for catalyst deactivation

Instrumentation and Process Control

  • Measurement of process variables;
  • sensors and transducers;
  • P&ID equipment symbols;
  • process
    modeling and linearization,
  • transfer functions and dynamic responses of various systems, systems
    with inverse response,
  • process reaction curve,
  • controller modes (P, PI, and PID);
  • control valves;
  • transducer dynamics; analysis of closed loop systems including stability,
  • frequency response,
  • controller tuning,
  • cascade and feed forward control.

Plant Design and Economics

  • Principles of process economics and cost estimation including depreciation and total annualized
    cost,
  • cost indices,
  • rate of return,
  • payback period,
  • discounted cash flow,
  • optimization in process
    design and sizing of chemical engineering equipment such as heat exchangers and multistage
    contactors.

Chemical Technology
Inorganic chemical

  • industries (sulfuric acid,
  • phosphoric acid,
  • chlor-alkali industry),
  • fertilizers (Ammonia, Urea, SSP and TSP);
  • natural products industries (Pulp and
  • Paper,
    Sugar, Oil, and Fats);
  • petroleum refining and
  • petrochemicals;
  • polymerization industries
    (polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and polyester synthetic fibers).

Chemical Engineering syllabus:- 

  1. Chemical Process Calculations:

    • Introduction to fundamental calculations in chemical engineering processes, including material and energy balances essential for process design and optimization.

  2. Fluid Mechanics:

    • Study of fluid behavior, focusing on principles of fluid statics, dynamics, and flow through pipes, crucial for designing fluid systems in chemical processes.

  3. Heat Transfer:

    • Exploration of heat exchange mechanisms such as conduction, convection, and radiation, vital for designing and optimizing heat exchangers and thermal systems.

  4. Chemical Thermodynamics:

    • Understanding the principles governing energy and spontaneity in chemical systems, essential for process design and predicting thermodynamic behavior.

  5. Mass Transfer:

    • Study of mass transport phenomena, including diffusion and absorption, crucial for designing separation processes like distillation and extraction in chemical engineering.

  6. Chemical Reaction Engineering:

    • Analysis of chemical reactions in industrial processes, focusing on reactor design and optimization to maximize product yield and efficiency.

  7. Process Control and Instrumentation:

    • Introduction to control systems, sensors, and instrumentation in chemical processes, emphasizing real-time monitoring and optimization for efficient operation.

  8. Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics:

    • Advanced study of thermodynamic principles applied to chemical processes, addressing phase equilibria and chemical reaction equilibria for process optimization.

  9. Chemical Engineering Materials:

    • Exploration of materials used in chemical processes, understanding properties, selection, and applications to ensure the integrity and reliability of equipment.

  10. Chemical Engineering Economics:

    • Introduction to economic principles in chemical engineering, evaluating project feasibility, cost estimation, and profitability analysis for decision-making in the industry.

  11. Process Equipment Design:

    • Application of engineering principles to design equipment like reactors, heat exchangers, and vessels, considering safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

  12. Transport Phenomena:

    • Integration of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mass transfer principles to analyze complex transport phenomena occurring in chemical processes.

  13. Environmental Engineering:

    • Study of environmental impact assessment, waste treatment, and pollution control in chemical processes, emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

  14. Biochemical Engineering:

    • Application of chemical engineering principles to biological systems, focusing on processes like fermentation and enzyme technology in biotechnology applications.

  15. Petroleum Refining and Petrochemicals:

    • Exploration of processes involved in refining crude oil and producing petrochemicals, addressing the transformation of raw materials into valuable products.

  16. Safety and Hazard Analysis:

    • Study of safety protocols, hazard identification, and risk assessment in chemical processes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.
Chemical engineering

About Chemical engineering :-

Chemical engineering integrates principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to design, optimize, and operate processes that convert raw materials into valuable products. It encompasses a broad range of industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and materials. Chemical engineers apply scientific knowledge to develop efficient and sustainable processes, ensuring the safe production of chemicals, fuels, and materials. They work on diverse projects, from designing reactors to developing innovative materials. With a focus on environmental and economic considerations, chemical engineers play a crucial role in creating sustainable solutions for global challenges, making advancements in technology and contributing to the betterment of society.

Chemical engineering examination

There are several exams related to chemical engineering at various levels. Here is a list of some of the most well-known exams in the field:

  1. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE):

    • Description: GATE is an all-India examination administered jointly by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. It is conducted to test the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science.
    • Eligibility: Candidates who have completed or are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, architecture, or science are eligible to apply for GATE.
    • Importance: GATE scores are used for admission to postgraduate programs (Masters and Doctoral) in Indian institutes of higher education with financial assistance provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and other government agencies.

  2. Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced):

    • Description: JEE Advanced is an entrance examination conducted for admission to various undergraduate programs in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have cleared the JEE Main exam and be among the top 2,50,000 candidates (including all categories) to appear for JEE Advanced.
    • Importance: JEE Advanced scores are used for admission to undergraduate engineering programs in the IITs.

  3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE):

    • Description: GRE is a standardized test that is required to be taken by students who want to pursue graduate studies in the United States or Canada. It tests analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.
    • Eligibility: There are no specific eligibility criteria to take the GRE, but it is generally taken by college seniors or recent graduates who are preparing to apply to graduate school.
    • Importance: GRE scores are used as part of the admissions process for many graduate programs in engineering, including chemical engineering, in universities around the world.

  4. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

    • Description: GMAT is a standardized test that is required to be taken by students who want to pursue graduate studies in business schools worldwide.
    • Eligibility: There are no specific eligibility criteria to take the GMAT, but it is generally taken by college seniors or recent graduates who are preparing to apply to business schools.
    • Importance: GMAT scores are used as part of the admissions process for many graduate programs in business administration (including MBA) that have a focus on areas related to chemical engineering.

  5. Engineering Services Examination (ESE):

    • Description: ESE is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various engineering services (engineering civil services) in the Government of India.
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology from a recognized university to be eligible to appear for the ESE.
    • Importance: ESE scores are used for recruitment to various engineering services in the Government of India, including in organizations such as the Indian Railways, Central Engineering Services, and other engineering departments.

  6. Common Admission Test (CAT):

    • Description: CAT is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs (MBA).
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA to be eligible for CAT.
    • Importance: CAT scores are used for admission to various MBA programs offered by IIMs and other premier management institutes in India. Some of these programs may have specializations related to chemical engineering and management.

  7. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering Sciences (GATE-XL):

    • Description: GATE-XL is a specialized examination for candidates with a background in life sciences (XL stands for Life Sciences).
    • Eligibility: Candidates who have completed or are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, architecture, or science are eligible to apply for GATE-XL.
    • Importance: GATE-XL scores are used for admission to postgraduate programs (Masters and Doctoral) in Indian institutes of higher education with financial assistance provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and other government agencies. The XL paper also includes specific topics related to chemical engineering.

It’s important to note that the importance and use of these exams can vary depending on the institution and the specific program being applied to. Additionally, the specific topics and syllabus covered in these exams may vary, so it’s important to check the official websites of the respective exams for the most up-to-date information.

Strategy to study chemical engineering

Studying chemical engineering effectively requires a mix of understanding theoretical concepts, applying those concepts to solve problems, and mastering practical skills. Here’s a strategy to help you study chemical engineering more efficiently:

  1. Understand the Syllabus: Make sure you understand the entire syllabus and know the topics you need to cover. Divide the syllabus into manageable sections based on topics and subtopics.

  2. Organize Your Study Space: Have a quiet, well-lit study space. Keep all your chemical engineering textbooks, notes, and other study materials organized.

  3. Gather Study Materials: Collect all the necessary chemical engineering textbooks, notes, past papers, and any other relevant study materials.

  4. Use Active Learning Techniques:

    • Mind Maps and Diagrams: Create mind maps and diagrams to visualize complex chemical engineering processes and concepts.
    • Flashcards: Make flashcards for key terms, definitions, and chemical engineering processes. Use them for quick revision.
    • Practice Problems: Solve practice problems and numerical questions to reinforce your understanding of theoretical concepts.
    • Lab Work: If possible, perform laboratory experiments to gain practical experience and understand the practical aspects of chemical engineering.

  5. Follow the Three Rs: Read, Review, Repeat:

    • Read: Start by reading the textbook or your notes. Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and bold or italicized words.
    • Review: After reading a section, summarize the main points in your own words. This helps reinforce your understanding.
    • Repeat: Review regularly. Go over the material multiple times to help commit it to memory.

  6. Practice Active Note-Taking:

    • Cornell Method: Divide your notebook page into two sections: one for main ideas and the other for notes and explanations.
    • Mind Mapping: Create mind maps to organize your notes visually. Use colors and diagrams to make it more engaging.
    • Highlighting: Use a highlighter to mark important points in your textbook or notes. But don’t overdo it; highlight only the key concepts.

  7. Practice Past Papers and Sample Papers:

    • Time Management: Practice solving past papers under exam conditions to improve your time management skills.
    • Analyze Mistakes: Go through your mistakes and understand why you got them wrong. This helps you identify areas that need more focus.

  8. Use Technology to Your Advantage:

    • Online Resources: Use online resources like videos, animations, and interactive websites to understand complex chemical engineering processes.
    • Apps: Download chemical engineering-related apps that provide quizzes, flashcards, and other study materials.

  9. Stay Healthy:

    • Regular Breaks: Take short breaks every 25-30 minutes to prevent burnout.
    • Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet to keep your brain fueled and your energy levels up.
    • Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve concentration.
    • Sleep: Get enough sleep to help consolidate memory and improve cognitive function.

  10. Join a Study Group or Discussion Forum:

    • Study Groups: Join a chemical engineering study group where you can discuss concepts, solve problems, and share resources with peers.
    • Discussion Forums: Participate in online discussion forums where you can ask questions and get help from experts and other students.

Remember, effective chemical engineering study is not just about memorization; it’s about understanding concepts and being able to apply them in different contexts. So, focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than rote memorization.

Scroll to Top